Definition: Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; [I pray thee], say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 2:20. It’s a really important and slightly mysterious passage! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a woman – likely a prophetess or advisor to King Solomon – who is asking him for a single, simple request. The key here is that she doesn’t resist or refuse her king’s wishes. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; [I pray thee], say me not nay.” – This is the core of the verse. She’s clearly asking for something small . “I pray thee” is a way of addressing her in a respectful and humbled manner. She's saying, "Please, tell me what you need." “And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay.” – This is where it gets interesting. The King isn’t just giving her a request; he’s allowing her to make it. He’s essentially saying, “Go ahead, ask what you want. I won't stop you." What does this suggest? This verse is often interpreted as a sign of divine favor and trust. It suggests: God’s Willingness: God is willing to listen to her requests, even though she doesn’t push them. Trust & Obedience: The King is trusting in her to do what's right and to obey his commands. A Blessing: This act could be seen as a blessing – a sign that God is pleased with her. Important Note: The exact meaning of this verse has been debated for centuries, and there’s no single, definitive explanation. It’s a beautiful example of how God can work in subtle ways to bring about good things. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible passage? Discuss the significance of this verse in more detail? Answer any specific questions you have about it?